Before we Americans throw down on the turkey, yeah there will be political drama at the dinner table. There will be many other factors in which we will ask the question, what are we thankful for in all. It’s also a Thanksgiving that yet the truth will bust out that some of our Ingenious Native American Folks will not partake in the holiday due to the national day of mourning. If you’re not familiar with it, research! Even you might watch football and the ongoing traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushering the Christmas Season.

But likewise….I’m scratching my head again.

Milwaukee, how’s that streetcar thing doing? Overall, please. No Hop Haters from those who DON’T live in Milwaukee!

So it seems now that the People’s Flag and the Milwaukee Arts Board have to get back in talking about the ongoing idea of getting a new flag. We’ve all have seen it like everyday. But many will agree that the People’s Flag Folks HAVE NOT talked to the whole Milwaukee Community. Why?!

They say that the voting never mattered in the Governor’s race in Wisconsin, mainly Milwaukee. Ummmm, did anyone see the totals while yet folks complained?

Can you be a real church member and bring a level of consciousness that many might fear and still be loyal? Not talking about money in all.

Can the Wisconsin Badgers think big and quietly usher in better talent to run pistol plays? Be advised, Big Ten.

Black Woke Folks: we need to stop all this talk about getting us not to vote. And what is the reason why? Back off! Jeez!

Mostly, in that Georgia Election, the reason why Stacy Abrams lost was due to voter suppression, and I dare say: Racism. Agree or disagree?

Remember when the WWE or the WWF Survivor Series was ON Thanksgiving Day?

What will it take to get the Green Bay Packers to get red hot AGAIN?

You know that Country music has two African-American singers that are killing the scene right now. Like Kane Brown and Jimmie Allen. Heard of them? And Country Music is part of Black History!

Who still goes to the clubs and bars after the big meal on Thanksgiving to shake off the pounds?

How about those Milwaukee Bucks though?

And why did Andrew Gillum lose in Florida again, to really someone who is deemed racist?

Since November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, how really those who love our Military actually SUPPORT our Military? And how many of us really love our Veterans SUPPORT OUR VETS?!! Don’t start illing of not being a fake patriot.

It seems that this portrait in Baraboo sparked an outrage. Of course. But what was the real reason again? Let me guess: that blasted Nazi salute and of course that got Wisconsin in a bad light yet again.

I asked this question last time and I’ll ask it again: The Hallmark Christmas Show is back. Who’s still watching them?!

No offense to the Christmas decors but, why does Thanksgiving get suddenly skipped? I’m mean HELLO! Turkey Day is missing!

This is interesting: Sagittarius Season BEGINS on Thanksgiving Day. Sags: what are we thankful for 9th house rulers?

Remember when Thanksgiving shows actually was reclaiming their time?

Men, has #movember really sunk in? After all that no shave, November thing?

International Men’s Day had come and gone. Why is this day not formally recognized again? And why are the whiny feminists of the world, still treat as this day being sexist?

Speaking of Feminism: why target Kleenex for Mansize tissues again?

Wait a minute: there is a Football Game out the Nintendo Switch? Not Madden! But how do many like the MFL? As in the Mutant Football League? Rated M but this might attract those in the think tanks to actually MAKE A FOOTBALL GAME for the Switch! Madden, or make an “NFL 2K” Sports game. I’m calling this!

Men (and women), can we remind ourselves not to complain about International Men’s Day on International Women’s Day next year in 2019?!!!

When Thanksgiving Day is here: is it Macy’s, Football and Food? or is it Macy’s, Food then FOOTBALL?

When Thanksgiving is over, and for many of us who do not work on a Friday, why is it necessary for those who work on Thanksgiving have to start the Black Friday sales all early?

Speaking of Black Friday: NO SHOPPING FOR ME! But who will be the idiot of the moment when engaging in others for stuff on sale in a violent physical bloodbath? It’s bound to happen. You know it!

Speaking of Small Business Saturday: Who will actually shop locally? No national stuff!

I don’t get it. Since the victory of the recent Wisconsin midterm election, there might be some folks from the black community might call out the new administration of not being diverse enough. My question is: why aren’t many who are complaining (i.e. Facebook and Twitter) not applying?!!

Will Creed II be a hit?

In the last 100 seasons, how many games the Packers won on Thanksgiving? I know, I know. They got archives.

Yes, there was a time that the Native Americans were slaughtered outside after a church service on a Sunday, and years later it was dubbed as the National Day of Mourning. A real question: do many today know that part of the history?

Who might fill up the table that once was occupied by those who passed on?

Who will fill up the table and set a new tone for the big dinner?

And the last question before: how REALLY thankful are you? Like really?

Men of the world: Today of the 19th Day of November, is our annual day of us. International Men’s Day is here and yet many still complain. I think the many that are complaining are those of the feminists who constantly bash men like a bad habit. Females, you need to calm your nerves in all, this part is just for the guys. And there is a message in all this: it’s just our one stinking day of being appreciated.

With all that’s going on in the world full of mostly men wrecking the shops like ill-mannered clockwork, it’s safe to say that yes, there are of us that do the manly things around the game that need and should be paying attention too. Of course, men have to step up. OF COURSE! But the question is: how?

Here in Milwaukee, my local United Methodist Men’s folks within the past year have the decision to come together to generate our ability to revive a Men’s Group. In a way to get us actively involved in our local United Methodist Churches and also among each other. In a way of evangelism, mission, and outreach. And other factors that favor men. Here is the kicker: Men’s group in churches are a gray area. It’s not like the well rounded like the women’s groups. Yes, the women outnumber the dudes 3 to 1 in about everything. But the dudes have and must hold their own! Of course, we heard about the Men being the Heads and women being the tails. But mainly folks are forgetting, not every man can’t lead!

When this international men’s day was coming up, I had to reference back 8 months ago when we were asking the same ol’ tired question around International Women’s Day: “When is International Men’s Day?” Over and over again it was a hot-button topic and still is. Men, did we forget this? For the folks who complain and piss and moan all day: did we complain?! I’m sure many will complain in the next 4 months into 2019 that when another Women’s Day comes around, there will be many more complaints about asking about a men’s day that is worldwide. Already, folks are saying “We have Father’s Day!” or “The whole month of November is for the Movember Movement to get men to think about their health……” or “the pay gap is unfair and men are just messing up to get what we think!” Ya think?! Not really close. Of course, the pay gap is unfair and unbalanced. But that’s not the reason why International Men’s Day shouldn’t exist. And plus not every MAN is a FATHER! Let’s be clear, females! Stop saying Happy Father’s Day to the men who don’t have kids! When the men have children, then you can say that!

As I was reading the think tanks via Social Media, The Guardian Newspaper out of the UK, and talk shows like Ellen today, and even The Forum on Real Resistance Radio this morning: the theme of the day was talking about International Men’s Day. Many have joked about this day occurring, but when you think about these stats from the International Men’s Day Website:

“Men face a series of health challenges that need to be addressed in order to have our communities function to their fullest potential.”

With all the other health concerns listed here: we know that the average man dies early, getting lung cancer and yes heart disease/prostate cancer/colon cancer mostly more than women. BUT…..when you talk about Men dying more of Suicides and above all else being victims of Domestic Violence! Yes ladies, men can be victims of being abused physically, mentally, financially and yes spiritually. And other bad influential beings. Now we know why the International Men’s Day has come into the light since 1999. Be advised ladies!

It’s almost in comparison like, when we have let’s say in the United Methodist Church, a day set aside for Women for Women’s Day (depending on March or May) and yet Men’s Day is set aside for mostly in June around Father’s Day. And here’s another kicker: I don’t hear any complaints about having a UMW Group and UMM Group so why are we tripping about having a day for the Men? Grow up, folks.

Men of the world: yes all of us dudes that are single, married, widowed, divorced, in life partner relationships of any kind, active in the classroom, active at work, active in the Church, active in the community of choice, active as introverts (yes I’m one of them), active in the health fields, active in business ownership, active with fraternities, active in the military/veterans groups, active in entertainment,active in politics (in a nice way) active in many other factions: continue to guide your end of the ship to get to the point of where YOU want to go.

Men of the world whom are unemployed, underemployed, underappreciated, forgotten, overlooked, beaten up, scared for life, picked on, generally attacked, disrespected, physically/mentally/spiritually and financially attacked (by both MEN and WOMEN no matter what year or timeframe), discouraged, humiliated, embarrassed, or any other feeling of disrespect or left out: I would say man up, but excuse my french: HELL NO! If you are a man that has been wronged by these words, it’s ok. If you felt this way or still feeling this way, you are NOT A PUNK! I don’t know who started this crap to think that Men aren’t supposed to feel this way (either men or women) but this crap MUST STOP WITH MEN, PERIOD! It must stop with a strong family. It must stop with a strong education. Strong jobs, strong economic values, strong health and wellness, strong community, strong neighborhoods, strong faith, and a strong structure of better endeavors that many must grasp! It must STOP! And the rebuilding begins with healing. And I don’t know that forgiveness comes in at times, even though it’s hard to forgive.

And to the men who are the Dark Horses or the Unsung Heroes. And I’m one of these also. Those whom have been undiscovered and still have some talent: the folks will know your name. But for now, keep them guessing and keep your game under wraps. Be that STILL dark horse that many (either other men and women) will stop denying you! They will regret you for not picking you to join their team and I dare say employment!

Men, even though that this International Men’s Day of 2018 is coming to a close for another year, and all have happened, what will we do for International Men’s Day 2019: The 20th Anniversary? What will we do between this International Men’s Day and the next? What will we do? We hear it from the Women that Men need to step up. I agree! But again I ask as Man: a Black man from the United States of America: what’s next to step up too? That’s the million dollar question.

Now, ladies. You may talk. But enjoy OUR International Men’s Day, gents! Between now and the next November 19th every time. But not every March, OK?!

For more info about International Men’s Day, here is their link. I would say that this should be useful around every November 19th. But it can be useful to summarize every day!

Its been a while since I’ve done a rant. But recently, our soon to be gone Governor Scott Walker had his finger pointing mess button about the recent election he lost to the next Governor to be Tony Evers. In a recent Facebook Post, the City of Milwaukee Election Executive Director, Neil Albrecht has written a post in the response of the criticism. He writes:

Office of Governor Scott Walker

Dear Governor Walker,

In a recent commentary to the media, you identified that delays with Milwaukee’s processing of 47,000 absentee ballots on Election Day came down to “incompetence as opposed to corruption.”

To make an allegation that Milwaukee’s administration of the midterm election lacked competence is unsubstantiated, reckless and damaging to the public’s confidence in the integrity of elections. Your claim is particularly egregious given your and the Wisconsin legislature’s inaction to proactively address the issue that led to the delay in processing ballots.

Every step of Milwaukee’s Election Day processing of 47,000 absentee ballots was compliant with state law and election rules related to election administration. Additionally, observers from your campaign, your political party, the public, and the media were present. At no point did any person issue a challenge to what was occurring. Rather, observers expressed appreciation that the nearly 200 people that supported the City’s central counting of absentee ballot operations were well-trained and operated with efficiency, fairness, and transparency.

The two-hour delay we experienced in processing those ballots was attributable to a number of factors, which included the volume of ballots and our need to reconstruct ballots emailed to military and overseas voters, as well as ballots with voter errors or those that had been damaged in the mail or through the sealing of the absentee envelope. The need to reconstruct a ballot is in no way an indication of incompetence but rather a process that occurs in every municipality in this state during the tallying of absentee ballots.

The public’s interest in early voting in Milwaukee, in Wisconsin, and nationally, has increased exponentially with each general election. The City, in partnership with other municipal and county clerks, has attempted to work with lawmakers to come up with a solution to the volume of absentee ballots that must now be processed on Election Day. Numerous opportunities to address this issue, such as establishing true early voting in Wisconsin or allowing clerks to begin opening absentee envelopes the day before the election, were presented to the legislature and largely ignored.

The blame for Wisconsin’s myriad antiquated election laws that fail to address emerging election issues and lead to delays in the publication of election results rests with you and the legislature, not with the City of Milwaukee Election Commission. Further, I believe your mischaracterization of what occurred warrants an apology to the City’s nearly 2,500 election workers that approached their assignments with a profound sense of civic duty, responsibility, and integrity.

Sincerely,

Neil AlbrechtExecutive Director

What you just saw was the official statement from the Executive Director himself. Not some fake news out the conservative wackos that want the plagues of America. When I read this post online, I had to agree with all of what Neil said. And for a very good reason. Now many calling this to say oh, the governor called out all the poll workers whom he blamed for the L on election night. Well, guess what, Walker can kick rocks. He can kick rocks all through the last day of his Governor reign because he had to realize and this goes for every candidate on the ticket that EVERY VOTE, EVERY VOTE MUST BE COUNTED! From the first to the last. I like many others who had to stay up until 1:30am to see the ballots count actually counted. No, I was not at the Election Commissioners Headquarters to see in person, but yes like many of you reading this, I had to see it on live TV. And yet, the results were exactly it should be FAIR. I mean does the thing about making sure Every Vote Counts does ring a bell? Is this what we want? That is the point in asking.

Also, for all the idiotic yahoos that they claim to know about election inspecting, you don’t know squat. You don’t! All you know is the poll workers that you see at the sites with the name badges and handing out ballots to the registered voters. And if those who aren’t registered, are sent to the registration table in which you see also those who have on Badges on. Even those who are Chief Inspectors. Same thing. What many don’t understand is that we Poll Workers work hard for one stinking day out of OUR Schedules of Families, Employment, College Classes, Volunteering and all just to HELP YOU! Many of us are retirees, students, workers who are in between jobs, and other occupations and organizations. All walks of life! And for all of you who somewhat know what it’s like and yet complain, you can all shut your mouths! You don’t know the training, the will to work, the ability and also you don’t know what goes on in the training that many have to be retooled EVERY TWO YEARS of making sure that we get the objectives right. Every single time when I step into a polling place, I come there to do a job. Plain and simple. A job to make sure that many are registered, or wanting to be registered so they can take care of business and go home. We go through about 2 hours of training each time before an election and we spent time away just to read over manuals that we are given. And of course, we ask questions to those in charge of the classroom because we want to be straight on the information that is given. And of course, no matter where we get sent to, either a firehouse, a school or whatever, we have to keep in mind that yes we have to work hard! And we’re doing this FOR YOU! What does it mean to be a poll worker? What does it mean to help officiate a polling site and expecting a full turnout or a small turnout? What does it mean to do this? For you idiots that are mindless, or those so-called politically correct, let me tell you. And don’t criticize. Don’t you dare do it! If you know the Election Inspectors game, to me, it’s like any other job out there. It takes dedication, works ethical solutions, and overall passion for being to assist those in the community. This is a community job that only happens ONE DAY our of our leisure. I’m not speaking of many who are poll workers, but I’m speaking for myself as a poll worker. As of November of 2018, 12 years. 12 years of being out and helping those that want to be assisted to get their voices heard! 12 years of dedicating my time to help my community. 12 years of bringing my passion and heart just to get out and do work for others in this ministry. Oh, yes I did say ministry. Can any of you punk haters say that? Can any of the so-called high and mighty politically do this and not be so hypercritical or conscious? I dare ANYONE on the outside looking in: I dare anyone (and I MEAN ANYONE) to STEP UP and try it. Prove it. Back it up.

Prove me wrong that you can do this!

CALLOUT: And if you can’t back it up, that makes you a coward. Yes. I just went there.

Yeah, I already know that this Poll Working gig or Election Inspectors job is not an everyday thing. I wish it were. If it were, it should be in mini offices every single day that would guarantee more job growth and more education of being engaged in the process of VOTING! Oh yes, this message is for all the poll workers who grind hard every day and for those who didn’t have a voice. I know that the election commission had their say as indicated, but here on this blog page, this is my turn to say something! Just for the record, this commentary here is not sanctioned by the City of Milwaukee’s Election Commission. These are my own words.

Usually, this might be long forgotten about. But unfortunately its only the beginning that yes, the ISH just got real. This ISH of showing the hypocrisy of Walker, and others like him that crumble on the City of Milwaukee in a sense is no surprise. And a direct slap in the face!

So yes, I should be fired up and ready to work. But be careful who and what you ignite. Chances are, the burning feeling may not be so mutual.

For all of the Election Inspectors in the game; I included; no matter if you’re working the polls for the first time, the second time, 5th time, 8th time, 12th year, 20th year, or maybe to 50 years working. No matter if you’re a chief inspector that has been there and done it so many times. Or whatever role we do every time during these election cycles. Even if we do Part Time or Full Time. OR BOTH. Remember this: we do this for a reason! We should be praised for our work and appreciated that we dedicate ourselves to this cause. It’s not easy at times, but at least we try each time. No matter who or what arises in between. And I don’t go around to other companies or jobs and talk smack about them. Mainly because I don’t know that job experience of what everyone does. I don’t!

Oh yes, the haters just don’t understand. They don’t. Even if it’s the soon to be gone, Governor Scott Walker. After all, most of this in my view was his idea and his fault due to his dumb policies.

For everyone that was hot mad after seeing the footage of the Black Pastors and Bishops with Trump, guess what: you should be.

By the way, it’s more like a statement here than a blog letter.

You should be pissed, angry, mad as hell, and every negated feeling in your body that the church leaders you followed or supported all this time met with a president that does not care enough about the black community. And yet there are those who supported the idea of the Pastors and Bishops in the churches that met with the crazy, always tweeting, stuffy president of Donald Trump.CALLOUT: Of all the questions I need to ask as a still church member: WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!!!!

Many of us who were raised in the church well that God doesn’t like ugly! Does that ring a bell? And yet this needs to be asked, what does this mean if you will be hosting events, activities, or better yet, inviting new folks to join up? And what about those who are young and they see all this going on, and they might wonder what was the Pastor thinking about meeting with someone like Trump that does not care about them?!

And to think, this is one of the major reasons why many STOPPED coming, attending, contributing to or supporting the church! Don’t believe me, google the web pages, surf on social media like Facebook or Twitter, and many who have gone COGIC, Pentecostal, Baptist, Non-Denominational, Methodist, or others have said the same thing! No matter how they said it or expressed. They will look back on this and stories like this one and will distinctly remember it all. This is one of the hardest reasons to believe that many don’t do church!!!

Remember the last year……no this year I commented on that question about why don’t People don’t go to church? Yeah, that one. Go back and read it. Via the station called WNOV. Read every single word I wrote. Now, this was 7 months ago. And look where we at now with the Black Pastors meeting with Trump.CALLOUT: Shameful!

And this meeting was supposed to be about Prison Reform! Many don’t even care about that. Just a photo op with Trump.

In the video that we all saw, one the pastors, Darrell Scott commented on this about Trump that was so messed up. We’ve all seen it right?

That was the ugly backbreaker. Dude just said that Trump was the Pro-Black President we have. Is that so shameful I don’t know what is?

And oh, many of us in Milwaukee was informed about one of our Bishops, Darrell Hines of Christian Faith Fellowship Church, was one of the ministers in the discussion about Prison Reform with Trump. Many of us were floored and shocked that this man who helped rebuild a strip mall into a school and youth center in all met with a guy like Trump. One of our radio stations, Jammin 98.3 broke the story first, then the rest of the media like Channel 4 also chimed into the story with comments via WNOV’s Jermaine Reed’s show.

Mostly according to the story, many whom called into the station were against the opinions but without any surprise, the folks who backed Hines the most were the Church Members themselves. Christian Faith Fellowship Church has a neon sign posted in described: “Sinners are Welcome Here.” It’s a need for a remake.

Now many are asking, what was the reaction of the Pastors who were NOT present during the so-called meeting? One has spoken out:

Dr. Kevin Murriel of Cascade UMC in Atlanta spoke for about 33 minutes and he hit the nail on the head in with the pastors and bishops didn’t do their “homework” in that meeting with a guy like Trump who disrespected Puerto Rico, Haiti and other African Nations being labeled as S-Hole Countries, Re-vamped up Mass Incarceration, Ignoring Housing issues affecting Black Folks, Education and many others. As the young cats of today would say, he went in! And in part, he challenged the members of his church to research the pastors (including Bishop Darrell Hines) about what was said and commented. Dr. Murriel said in his sermon: “Do your homework!” Well apparently, AGAIN neither the men and women in that room with Trump HAVE NOT DONE THEIR HOMEWORK! Come on now! Just like in school, if you have not done your homework, YOU WILL FAIL! You will get bad grades. You will get that Failing Grade on the test. You will get that low percentage and get mad at the folks who DID their homework, than those who DIDN’T do their homework!

Oh, you don’t hear me.

This needs to be a wake-up call for every pastor, bishop, apostle, lay servant, deacon, head mother, head father, and any HEAD of the Church that this example will NOT get you more members or visitors. This will not get you noticed positively. This will not get you or your congregation on the same page as everyone else. I know what I’m saying is a bit harsh as a “STILL contributing head church member”. The folks whom probably left and talking smack about you or anyone else have given their due by stating of what they saw in the pews back then. They didn’t speak then. But now, I think it’s an emotional issue. It’s a remembrance of the pain of what they went through, and yes they I think to recognize that not many are as evil or scandalous as everyone else, including strict. Heck, I was raised by strict parents. So what, it’s the truth.

So this video of the Black Pastors and Bishops needs to be learned. And I know that it will not be very liked. But I dare say this also: hold the folks accountable. Just like in the Obama Administration often said all the time. And if you hold them accountable, then they remain intact of their jobs. And of course many in the community will continue to condemn all the Churches having “alleged ATMs” in the building, forcing folks to stay and tithe more, scandals, don’t show love for the LGBT, and telling about the abuse they encountered growing up and hearing stories of what goes on behind the scenes in hypocritical context. However, I should say this: yes not all are like that. Are many hypocritical at work? Or the club on Saturday Night? Your Class Reunion? Your Fraternity/Sorority Meetings and events? The mall? Uber? Lyft? Smoking or smelling like Weed in Walmart? Operating your own business? The old neighborhood? The new neighbors in the new neighborhood? Think about it.

All in all, no matter what your stance on religious stuff is: it’s an ongoing process.

Now I know that the Milwaukee Brewers are having a heck of a season. They are. And reached 50 plus wins in the NL Central. Oh yeah it’s positive vibes.

But that’s the good news. The bad? Josh Hader. If anyone paid attention to the recent All Star Game in which the National Team lost, there was a report about Josh Hader using racial terms, or messages on all things: Twitter. There was messages of “White Power” and hating gays and many others. Seriously. And he was 17 years old. A teenager. When I saw the footage about him making that appearance to the mound, and the fans making the standing ovation, that to me is a problem. How can any fans in Baseball, especially majority white, give a guy like Josh Hader a standing ovation after his racist remarks? This looks very bad and disturbing. Especially for the Milwaukee Brewers Organization.

Many are saying, “he was 17 years old”. And saying this on social media. Of course, that the old heads kept saying that be careful what you post. Even I said this! Josh Hader is getting that lesson right now even in the City of Milwaukee that we all know that it’s segregated. Do majority of the white folks who come to Miller Park or any other comes to Milwaukee Special Events knows about the segregated checkered past? They better. Now I know that I’m getting a reaction of like “yes we know”. But we don’t know enough. Have I’ve been discriminated against my black skin in Wisconsin? Yes. I’ve explained it over and over again about being hated on for a job offer through Dresser Waukesha 8 years ago. It will be 8 years next month in August when I got that letter from Tallahassee, Florida about black folks not being hired by the company due to it’s checkered past of racism in the Greater Milwaukee Area. This is one of the reasons why I don’t usually respond to job postings as much because of this matter. Of course many companies will say, “we don’t discriminate against anyone based on race, creed, class, gender, etc.” But do many companies actually feel this way? Let’s be honest, not all of them. But there are those whom are jealous about a applicant that they just looked up on LinkedIn or Facebook who had all the credentials and being passed over all because he or she was black or highly educated. That’s why we have folks like Scott Walker and Donald Trump whom have all that White Privilege and I dare say, racist angles in office. And majority of the voters put them in office. And I’ll bet many who put them in office, don’t want a guy like Mahlon Mitchell per se in the race to be the next Wisconsin Governor. To me, I’m still betting on Mahlon to get a chance to steal this shocker to get the chair in Madison. But that’s another story.

Long time ago in Church, my older sister once said about being careful what you say during a Youth Moment segment. Even she also said if it was in the second grade. By looking at the racist tweet from age 17, Josh Hader had to be in high school as either a junior or senior. Go figure.

If any of the African-American players on the Brewers whom like Eric Thames, Lorenzo Cain, or Keon Braxton said some messages of hate on Social Media, they will be GONE! Out of the picture or banned! And many will be asking why that is. For Josh Hader, he will be getting the full “Ethnic Sensitivity Treatment Classes” on respecting cultures in all. It’s kind of interesting, that the Milwaukee Brewers in August are having a theme night event called African-American Heritage Night on August 3rd, in commemorating the Negro League Tribute to the Milwaukee Bears, whom at one time were apart of the city’s history that was long forgotten. When I saw the comments on Facebook, there were some “jerk offs” had to ask about, when is Polish American Night happening, or making some meaningless jokes about black culture. I’m not kidding. And many don’t realize that the problem in Major League Baseball is the diversity that not enough black folks are engaged with the game. Unlike Football or Basketball. Wait until football season starts either NCAA or yes the NFL. Just wait. And also that Heritage Night is day before of the newly Black Arts Fest MKE will be debuted at Summerfest after a 5 year absence of no African World Festival in the city.

Another thing comes to mind that the same week that Josh Hader’s racist tweets had surfaced, guess what? Hulk Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in the same week! For those whom may have forgotten, Hulk Hogan was suspended for three years from the company’s Hall of Fame Status due to the fact that he was caught using the N word in regarding the thought of someone who would date his daughter Brooke. And oh, the firestorm had started. Forget about Hollywood Hulk Hogan with the nWo Heel Turn, this was Hulk Hogan or Terry Bolea using the N word and getting caught red handed out for that. When he was reinstated after three years, last week yes he wanted to make things right, but not every black WWE Superstar ranging from The New Day to Titus O’Neill didn’t somewhat approve of him being back. Except for Mark Henry whom is a newly inducted WWE Hall of Famer.

But the fact of the matter is, Hogan had to get right with himself about what he said. Maybe, just maybe that Josh Hader should do the same. And oh, it will not take a week. But the sting still remains in regarding to talk about race in all angles even in sports and entertainment. The jury on both is still out. As well as accountability.

As many know we are in the month of June. The 6th month for me is I’m looking at 6 more months towards age 42. Hard to believe. It’s also the month of Summer, Juneteenth Day, Father’s Day, the Wear Orange for Gun Violence Awareness, Black Music Month and of course, Pride Month for our LGBT community folks.

On the health tip: Men it’s our health awareness month. Start wearing the blue. As usual for this I’m here to give you a summary report of my health condition. Going back to January, I went to the Eye Doctor for a long awaited Eye Exam. My vision at the time was very well overall. But the one thing had on my mind was the then blood pressure. At the time: 152/74. That’s like in the red area and screaming to go to the ER. The second option of this was the obvious one: get checked! So the same day, after realizing stress and not so baked foods can be a factor dealing with death, I made an appointment to go back to a Aurora Health Care clinic in Wauwatosa. So it came, and I chose the week of February 19th for a strange reason. It was the same February 19th that I saw my late father alive in 2017. 4 and a half days later, he died at 69 years old. After that was set, I began to do a four week exercise thing in which I changed my diet, and my weight began to go down slightly. It worked for a while. In February, after I had the physical done, I took a blood test to see where I was in all. Most was good. Even my blood pressure improved. But the next day, I got the worst news of my life about being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. In the same week that my Father passed a year ago. My glucose reading was at 237, with a 9.6% rating. That right there, was Diabetes status. And like many who got it was not a happy camper. And I’m still not a happy camper. Since then, I’ve been going back to the doctors and registered nurses to talk about the status and also trying to manage the symptoms. First I was prescribed with medications like Metformin and Atorvastatin to help reduce the numbers. Plus also I had to exercise yet again at least 30 per day along with a steady diet. Biking, Treadmill, and regular walking. Most of this was relatively new. And some old. Also I had to track my weight daily along with additional blood pressure checks. I keep a list of blood pressure numbers DAILY! Not once in a blue moon. And I use the Color Doctor to examine and review my blood pressure. It really works.

Around April 20th, (aka 4/20) I had to go back for an another appointment to see how I was doing. It was more of a repeat of information that I explored in February. Most of the tests were normal including my prostate and liver. Plus I had to get a Tetanus Shot that hurt like you know what. For prostate checks, Men don’t overlook that. They will do blood checks on those.

Then came May 21st of checking my A1C. Went in, had the blood drawn out with urine samples and waited for 24 hours for the results. Here is the shocker: At around 5:00 in the afternoon, I got a message from my doc’s office and my A1C was reduced (REDUCED) from the 9.6 to 5.8!!!!!!!

I was shocked that with all that grind, prayers, positive music of Hip Hop, Rap, and Rock that woke me up, the stuff worked! Even though that I still have the diabetes, but I felt this was a “small” victory.

Now why I am saying this? It took an act of a male second opinion to go to the doctor. I know us Men don’t like this because of a level of trust. We’ve heard this before. Just to think that I was reading an article about Black Men getting blood pressure checks in Barber Shops. Many of them said they didn’t trust the physicans, worked at least 2 shifts due to the demand of the work they do. But when like me, had their blood pressure checks, it was a wake up call. A wake up call to eat the right foods, get plenty of exercise, take the required medications to ease the diagnosed problems and repeat on point every single day.

Yes like every family member, you think about those whom had diabetes, some other diagnosis, and others, it began to wonder on you like really?! I had a classmate that I knew since high school died at age 39 years old. He was a big dude! But I think his health wasn’t that normal seeing my friend in a oversized casket. And yes when it’s male family members whom passed at 53 or 69, many might look at them being young. My father, at the result of his passing was heart related. His final diagnosis was Coronary Heart Disease and he had that for several years. What led to that, was Type 2 Diabetes. I had an uncle who passed in 1999 unexpectedly at work with a massive heart attack. And he was a type 2 diabetic . This was around 6:30am in the morning!

If that didn’t woke me up going to the medical folks, I don’t know what will. They say that stress, going back and forth between houses, extra difficult work could lead up to issues like Diabetes or other disorders. Mainly that can happen to anyone, but specifically, us Men! Why? It’s in our families. Our history, etc.

Even though that yes Men who like reading my blogs, we don’t at times like doctors. I think they suck. However in fairness, we have to stop this feeling of being scared. Or like, “that ain’t gonna bother me.” What if it did? Then what?!

We know the women will push us in going back. They will. But I feel that us MEN need to talk to other MEN about going to doctors. My Eye Doctor did the same to me. Just us Men. Not only Women. When we are at our Men’s meetings, Golf Outings, Fraternity Meetings, or any other Male thing out there, I know that when stuff like this comes, we want to be there for our kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, or our young dude or girl looking at us. Specifically our boys.

Health is wealth, Gents.

Dudes: we know this sucks. And I hate this also. But like NFL Hall of Famer and Packers Legend Jerry Kramer said earlier this year, “If you want to go to a ball game……..get checked!”

Get checked and screened, gents. Not just for Men’s Health Month, but for any month on the calendar! And take your boys also.

Call this another “My Double Take”. Actually it is. With all what is going on with the recent bullying and also more sexual harassment allegations. We know what it is. And the thing is, I’m not really surprised at both angles.

First: let me address the bullying angle or the recent bullying angle. We have heard about the Keaton Jones kid who made a video about being bullied in his hometown. And it went viral on Facebook and other platforms on Social Media. We all seen it. And reacted to it. And many of us probably had given Keaton some hope to overcome this bullying. But then came a picture in which it featured his mother Kimberly Jones and other children holding the “Stars and Bars” along with the racial overtones plus a picture of his father openly admit of his racial overtones! But the main focus of this angle is the mother! And the mother goes on the TV or internet that says “Oh I’m not a racist” like everyone in the racist families probably says. Which they really don’t believe. Of course many of us will get the butt hurt comments about racism. And race is still the commentary that we still talk about, comment, question, and or summarize that we know. But let us NOT let lose focus on the issue of bullying. This is what we should talk about! We all remember when we were back in school getting ribbed on, fighting, messing around, getting folks in trouble, and many of us didn’t want to fight back because we were afraid of getting suspended and those blotches on our permanent records into adulthood. I commented this many times that sometimes that you have to fight back. I said this that we need to stand up for ourselves, and apparently that goes for this era of hashtags, millennials standing stiff, and also us Gen-X’ers need to stop this notion that it don’t mean nothing. We’ve been through this before and many us in Gen-X got bullied or started a body shaming moment that we got big noses, butts and can’t mount to a darn thing all because of your home-brokeness growing up! (As in no Fathers in the home, Mother was the only source, etc. ) Now you want to spread the bad seeds to your children and somewhat grandchildren in the schools now! This is taking place. Yes, I fought back. But I fought back that I was NOT going to take the BS no more. If the schools administration of the Milwaukee Public Schools at the time wasn’t going to take the example of talking about bullying, I will! Either I would have gotten suspended or not. The last time I got suspended in a Milwaukee Public School was in December of 1991, a week after my 15th Birthday in which a class clown pushed my buttons per se and we fought. I was provoked. Simply provoked at John Marshall High School. And now I see these kids especially this Ashawnty Davis, who saw this Youtube video of her and after that, she committed suicide all because she got bullied in school. Oh, and she was 10 years old! Think about your 10 year olds now. And also, why are 10 year olds watching Youtube videos NOW of bullying? We are not right.

Technically, we are not doing a good job of addressing the issue of bullying. We don’t do it enough. And partially that bullying effect was supposed to stop in our adult ages. But that’s a lie. There are folks in the workplaces, churches, clubs, your groups (Alumni Fraternity, Sorority, Rotary Clubs), connections, network and many others that are bullies right now. I encountered a “bully like situation” in 2004 via the Milwaukee Urban League of trying to find a job, but the attacking part on me was on my education: UW-Stout’s Distance Education and Industrial Management. Manpower in Downtown Milwaukee same thing. Spherion, a job employment service even attacked me. Both white folks and a black woman. Grown folks. They been working in the offices for over 20 years in all, but part of them was attacking me of something they didn’t understand. But in 2005, I had to defend myself and my education of what it was. Why I’m saying this: even though that we got our successes in life thus far, NEVER FORGET the pain and hell you went though in order to get it. Many of us supposed to get by without any problems. BUT that is a bold face lie.

CALLOUT: WAKE UP! Wake up right now. I know Christmas is coming and Sagittarius Season is ending with the Capricorns coming. Fight back.

Now speaking of fighting back: Sexual Allegations in the workplace. Oh, boy.

Seeing most of the men on the NFL Network, ESPN, PBS Talkshows, and others are getting the shaft out of the workplaces based on whispers that the female workers encountered or heard while working. Recently, Donvan McNabb, Marshall Faulk, Ike Taylor, Heath Taylor, and long time ago: Warren Sapp. The allegations were made by former NFL Network employee, Jami Cantor for her side of the story of what she encountered while working. If that’s bad, Tavis Smiley, whom had a love hate thing with President Obama, was recently suspended on his 15th year with PBS, of rumors that he was acting way advanced of approaching females, in which that story was brought up in Variety Magazine and then when PBS heard about it, they somewhat jumped the gun on Tavis. No, I don’t like Tavis Smiley, I don’t follow his viewpoints, nor I don’t follow his opinions of Barack Obama after the disrespect. But I have to say that this needs to be investigated. This reminds me of what Michael Jackson went through with that so-called 13 year old boy whom claimed he was molested. It took down Michael’s credibility and raised his conscious about those who lay claim and doing it for the money. Matter of fact, that’s what it was. All about the money. And after Michael Jackson passed in 2009 as we all know, the accuser came forward and clean at the age of 29 that it was all about getting his money! You females out there: you better not get the money as you think. You assuming that “Oh, Stephen you can’t make a comparison of what Michael Jackson did and what the females make the examples right now. ” Well the angles maybe different, but the ideas were the same. There is something going on in these workplaces that the game is messed up. Oh it seems the norm when we first get hired. But way after that it’s a different story! We know it long afterwards!

And as far as Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose, and others who “openly admit the crime”, that was completely different as usual. And appears that the wall is being broken down being up for so long! For the Today Show, have they really played themselves in which letting go Tamron Hall? Think about it!

But I hate to ask: Are we really that surprised? Be honest. And what are we willing to do about it? Keep typing? Or really addressing the issues to those whom are still stuck on netural and not moving forward?

We might want to wait to see what being “woke” really is. Many of us need to really know. It’s not what it seems. Wanna be really woke? Act like it! By the way you might have seen this on Facebook.

Rachel Maddow: “While we are all sidetracked by Trump/Pence and the NFL, Trump vs. Puerto Rico, Harvey Weinstein & the Sexual Predation of All Hollywood, the Russian Hacking of the election, or the MLB American League Division Playoffs this week, it’s worth noting that the following bills have been introduced in the House of Representatives”:

1. HR 861 to Terminate the Environmental Protection Agency (Like to breathe? This one is not for you.)

2. HR 610 – Vouchers for Public Education (which may end free public education as we know it)

3. HR 899 to Terminate the Department of Education (which may lead to greater disparity between states but nobody who uses public education ever moves so it’s all good)

It’s a been a minute since I did a Three Way Dance. Well this is the “first” three way since my father’s passing, but like the last couple of blogs, it’s time to get back to work. Oh yes, I got something to say about the dance I want to bust out. More like shutdown.

First Dance:

Many of us in Milwaukee had been hearing and seeing on social media about this Drag Racing announcement in areas of where us citizens and the police might be distracted and it might go out with it. What I’m referring to is this:

Oh do we have a problem. Look I had to block out the F-Word because on the real advertisement or “announcement” that is was fully explicit. Plus also the locations of this so called drag race might be going down this weekend at the places of the Midtown Center, 76th and Mill Road near the old Pick N Save spot (WHICH IS A CHURCH NOW!) and East Capitol. And also, this is a ad and potential drag race is made up for the young folks whom probably will have nothing to do in Milwaukee.

I’m looking at this ad on Facebook and I’m like really?! Why would our young people would do this and at three different locations in Milwaukee knowing the Milwaukee Police will be on watch anyway? You young folks in Milwaukee are very very dumb doing this. Oh please, you will be thinking about jail time when doing this. And we all got this programs and stuff to do in the summer coming up and this is the thanks we get?! Really?!!

Grown folks of Milwaukee, we need to up on our game. I know it’s the first day of June in which the LBGT, Black Music, Father’s Day, The first day of Summer and a hidden message of Men’s Health Month will all play. But don’t overshadow that our youth folks who pull this stunt per se about Drag Racing in different parts of Milwaukee will get away. I’ll bet many even those whom are Police Officers and I dare say the Sheriff Departments will be watching because if any of them catch them and throw them in jail for racing or paying that hefty fine, don’t say nothing! As I say this: GET WOKE Y’ALL!

Second card: Again, Racism still exists.

I should say racism still exists no matter how the achievements and being black. We all know that by now, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be doing the job by defending their title in the NBA Finals. Against the “Dub Nation” that is. But this recent act about his LA house being tagged with the N-word, that game is in a whole other itself.

LeBron is a NBA Champion, an Olympic Medalist, came out the Midwest as one of the best in the East, and yes, is loaded with talent. But none that does not equate the hate he felt about his house being vandalized with the N-Word on his house. King James said this, by the way:

In 1998: I heard in church that it is hard being a BLACK MAN in AMERICA! You non-blacks who think it’s all smoke and mirrors, don’t know squat about us being faced with hate EVERYDAY! I got 2 college degrees, a part-time job as a secretary, doing work for my Alumni and giving back by helping out voters register and pretty soon, I’m going to run a Summer Program for my church, and this month I will mark 27 years as a member of my home church. But I’ll bet many might look at that and say that’s good for a black man. BUT I am constantly (CONSTANTLY) reminded that racism still exists. Even my Father way before he passed away said that exact same thing. That’s one lesson I’ll never forget. NEVER! I even encountered racism when I submitted a resume for a job here in Wisconsin 7 years ago and also about August of 2010, I got a letter from Florida that the company I submitted a resume to awhile back, didn’t accept any African-American applicants to be trained nor hired. And months later after October 2010, I was awarded $5000.00 because of my civil rights were violated because I was one of the black applicants that didn’t get hired properly. You see, there are those in Wisconsin that do want black folks to remain poor. Remain poor until they die. Seriously, Badger State?!

What also I’ve heard that FS1 Sports Analyst Jason Whitlock said that LeBron James hadn’t experience the real racism like Emmett Till did in 1955 when he was killed at 14. He also says that guys like LeBron’s statement of regarding race in all, effects the poor, not him.

Well that’s BS.

Sorry Jason, but no matter WHAT your achievement is, your accomplishments, your hardwork from the gutter, you hardships to success, your level of consciousness, your brand of melanin attitude, or anything that deals with the success of being successful thus far as an African-American Male or Female. But remember that one scene out of the show “A Different World” when Dwayne Wayne was responding to Dean Cain’s character:

Yes non-black folks, African-Americans BUILT THIS COUNTRY! No matter if were the first or the next, or behind the scenes, we built this nation. Yes, many of us don’t wave the flag as much, but we have the reality that we started this joint! But all alas, no matter what achievements we get, we still get called names. Hear that Jason?!! We still get called the N-Word out of ignorance. You got #45 talking about him taking shot from the haters while in the White House, but many of the Americans gave Obama (excuse my French,)HELL due to racism in all in his 8 years in Office! And this is supposed to be Post-Racial?!

Speaking of that: let’s go to the last dance.

Yesterday, Kathy Griffin was pictured in displaying the picture of a “beheaded bloody” Donald Trump. Oh yeah it was a gag. Funny. Poke your head as a joke. But it didn’t seen funny at at per se towards the Administration and of course young Barron.

But here is the thing, if many considered the Trump pic being graphic and offensive, what about this?

And I’m sure that we’ve seen this on Facebook.

Oh we’re mad a Kathy’s​ picture, but totally forgot about when Obama got dissed with the pics of him being hung, burned in flames and other stuff. Hypocrites! You tend to forget, but hey it’s America right? And 45’s response is……..oh he has no response. Duh!

So Kathy apologized and admit that she went too far with the “joke”. And it costed her the gigs upcoming and her New Year’s Eve program with Anderson Cooper on CNN. Yes, CNN has New Year’s Eve specials now. All because she displayed a pic of 45 beheaded. Wow. And you know partially her career is over. But you know she’s going to get a gig anyway. Just wait. And to the conservative fools who though this was done, I have a question: Why isn’t Ted Nugent in jail after what HE said about Obama?! I smell hypocritical mess. We know it. And also many folks looking foolish about the mess about the negative talk about Michelle, Sasha and Malia. Hmm….what about that?!!!!!

Folks: I haven’t been on the blogs as of much. A primary reason because of a extreme matter that took place. My father recently passed on at 69 years old in Milwaukee, and like many in my family, we are saddened and shocked by his death. How did I felt really? This my statement via my Facebook page from February 24th, 2017:

I have breaking news to share. And I don’t know if I have the bravery to say this but I’ll manage. Folks, I am shocked and numb now to say that my Father, whom I’m named after, is now passed. Us in the family are taking this hard that this has occurred. Literally I know that when I hear folks passing away yes I feel this sympathy to be close. I also have this option to say to those that yes is to learn the lessons to move forward. Now it’s time for myself and my sister, to learn the lessons that my father taught us. For those of you that lost Fathers, I will listen to you. I will learn what you went through in order for me, my sister and most definitely my mother will take to move forward. My father was the last of his McClinton family bunch to pass on. And knowing my family will feel it knowing he’s in a better place. One thing for I know, Dad didn’t play. He was a straight shooter all the way and knowing yes was fair. There been many times that for financial reasons whether my sister or I had little money on hand or no money on hand: he was there. For moral support, he was there. He was there for my church (the same church that he was a member since 1969), things to fix around the house all the time. He was known to have a Corvette for alot of years, even a Honda V45 Manga Motorcycle, a Ford Truck, and a Cadillac Escalade. He also was known for his art talent of old school portraits, woodworking, at one time, playing a guitar, and of course gadgets and CPU’s – in which I got him interested. But mostly: he was known for being a Veteran of the Armed Forces. Served in the US Army between 1966-1968 before the tet offensive in Vietnam. Married to my mother since 1969 and again raised me and older sister. Plus he was an Alumni of the Milwaukee Public Schools. He went to Lee Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, and a true Blue Devil out of North Division High School “when it was real”, as he stated. And the jobs: Allis Chalmers, Pfister and Vogel Tannery, VA Medical Center and mostly the US Postal Service for his work for 27 years of service.
Yes I am sad, shocked and numb right now. And the pinch ain’t good. I will do my best to make sure that his memory as he stated last year: Leaving a mark. In which he did. My father Empowered (and I mean EMPOWERED) me to be the best of I do. Same with my sister. No question. I’ll be in and out of Social Media as this long process of setting up my Dad’s Service of life. That is all. Send condolences to my family at this time if you wish.
Thank you.At this time, I’ll be on a short hiatus with the planning of my Father’s funeral. Meanwhile, we ask for prayers and support in the hour of bereavement.